Things To Do
MarieBette Café and Bakery
One of their go-to breakfast/lunch spots. The pastries at PMB are to die for (croissants and the chocolate chip cookies are personal faves).
Guajiros Miami Eatery
Another go-to for breakfast and lunch! The cuban coffee and food at Guajiros make any wait time worth it there
Public Fish & Oyster
Everything here is delicious! Gillet cannot leave without having the key lime pie (truly).
Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria
Lampo has been a go-to spot (it's also where Jonathan first said the L word!). The pizza is phenomenal, and if there's a pasta special you must order it. Sorry, we don't make the rules.
Monticello Trail
Monticello trail is beautiful and beautifully curated--about 4 miles from bottom to top and back again. Riverview trail, which also has a play area for kids by the parking lot, is also lovely--and has significantly flatter terrain, which is hard to find in Charlottesville.
Shenandoah National Park
If you're looking for a proper hike, driving a little ways out of town to Shenandoah national park is absolutely worth it.
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
Gillet cannot help but to recommend some historical sites. The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center does great work in town on public history. The Center, which is in the former site of a historically Black school, has standing exhibits you can explore on your own time. There is also a good Caribbean restaurant there called Pearl Island. They have a gym, and several community groups that also have space in the Center.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Many people will have heard of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, which is also an option for the historically-minded. They've got a particularly interesting tour on Slavery at Monticello, as well as a tour about the Hemmings family.
Virginia Discovery Museum
For those with kids, The Discovery Museum is a great option. It is a hands-on children's museum, with exhibits on the arts, sciences, humanities, history and nature.